The first row panel is of Vega City, the largest and most futuristic of all the world's cities. A big stadium lit up by spotlights is in the foreground.

Chapter 10: Crossroads

The following should all be on two pages. Small panels are okay. Inject extra scene with Phil where it will fit. Two guys are fighting with fists in a ring while a cheering audience watches. We see Sylvester watching while an announcer says things. This is a year ago, and Sylvester looks a little scrawnier than normal. He looks up at the viewing box and sees Agnes, his one true love.

Sylvester

(My beautiful, fair Agnes… I will win your heart again!)

The bigger fighter lands a decisive punch on the challenger, knocking him out. The crowd goes wild. The new champion does a victory pose. Sylvester stands up and locks eyes with the champion. Sylvester smiles wryly, and then leaves. The champion scowls at him.

Champion

(Little punk…)

Now we see Sylvester leaving Vega, with the city behind him. On the next panel, his trainer comes running up to him.

Phil

Sylvester, there you are! Where the heck you going?

Sylvester

Going off to train on my own, Phil.

Phil

Are you still fixated on Agnes or something?

Sylvester

Can't keep my mind off her. If I can't win her over with my poetry, then I will have to rely on my graceful fists.

Phil

You're nuts, kid. Agnes doesn't care about your anymore. And just where do you think you're going?

On the last panel, Sylvester turns and smirks.

Sylvester

I'm off to the tough town of Scarlet. When I get back, that championship is mine.

The next page starts with the group sleeping against the cave wall, with early morning light hitting them. A shadow then comes over Harriet. She wakes up to see Matt. He has on a miner's jacket since his old upper clothing was ruined. His hair is also messy.

Matt

Harriet… Got my glasses?

Harriet

Matty, are you okay?

Matt

I think so… I heal really quickly… But I guess that's not surprising.

Harriet stands up, takes out the glasses, and gives them to him. After he puts them on, Percival comes over.

This cave seems to be fully explored now, so I'll just be moving onto the next one. Won't stop till I map

out all of them.

Delphia

See ya, then. Thanks for helping cute little Matty.

Matt blushes. One last panel of the four and Percival looking at each other. On the next, they're walking across the valley, heading back to the resort.

Harriet

Well, this tower's been activated, so what should we do now?

Duster

We can drop by Marvin's and see if my van is working again. Then we better head back to Tazmily.

Delphia

Where is this Tazmily place, anyway?

Duster

It's my home town, in a hard to find valley. It's also where Lucas is, and he should know what we need to do next.

As they leave the valley, we see the back of the Cerberus, watching from the top of the cave entrance. Close up on its face, grinning. Then it jumps away, not to be seen for a while. The group returns to the resort area, where there has been a massive avalanche that has blocked the road. Dozens of workers are shoveling the snow away.

Delphia

That ghost-thing's attacks probably triggered that…

Matt

What will we do if it shows up again?

Harriet

Probably just run like we did last time…

Matt

We can't keep running from it… Not if it causes so much destruction trying to stop us.

Harriet

You're right… We have to find a way to stop it…

They get into the cable car. As it's going down, Harriet talks to Matt.

Harriet

Matty, I'm so sorry. It's my fault you got hurt.

He just stares out the window.

Harriet

And I guess I kind of let my emotions get out of control…

Matt

It's okay, Harriet. It was just an accident.

Harriet

If my healing powers were better, I probably could've helped you. You shouldn't have to be the only

A small montage follows of them getting off, walking back into the canyon, entering the Painter village again, and everyone but Delphia waiting outside of a store. Delphia comes out on the next panel with the tube of paint refilled.

Delphia (shouting inside)

Thanks again!

She turns to the others.

Delphia

Well, that wasn't easy… Took a lot of convincing to get a second thing of paint so soon.

Duster

Speaking of paint, I wonder what Winston's going to do with his.

Harriet

I saw the tube tied to his back… I'm going to guess that he hasn't used it yet.

Duster

Do you want to say hi to your parents before we leave, Delphy?

Delphia

Nah. Only been gone a couple days. No need going through another series of goodbyes just yet. Let's

go ahead and go to this Tazmily place. I'd love to see it.

Duster

Well, all right. Off we go.

They leave the village and after a couple panels, arrive at Marvin's place. The van, slightly fixed up, is out front. The group notices it, and the massive swarm of animals behind it. Marvin comes down the steps.

Marvin

I think the van should at least run now, Duster. I fixed it up best I could.

Duster

Thanks a lot… Um, Marvin, it looks like your numbers have increased…

Marvin

Huh? Oh, yeah. Whole bunch of animals have been coming in recently. People just keep expecting

me to take care of them all! Can you believe that?

Harriet

There's so many… Why are so many animals losing their minds?

Marvin

Dunno. And it's getting worse, too.

He notices Delphia.

Marvin

Oh, hey, you're new! Wanna buy a bunny?

Delphia

You got spicy rabbit jerky? Makes a nice snack for me.

Marvin

Y-you're a monster! I meant a live bunny… for hugging and squeezing…

Delphia

Um, no thanks. We're in kind of a rush.

Marvin

Of course. I'd give you some more of my calmer-downers, but I've used them all trying to relax all of

these guys!

Duster (getting into the van)

Well, good luck with all your animals.

Marvin

Yeah. I'll need it…

Marvin waves as Duster drives off, going through the gate this time. A shot or two of the van going around the fence and off into the hills. Cut to Lucas in Tazmily looking at the chamber door, now with two triangles glowing. He looks lost in thought and a little sad. Alle comes over.

Alle

Is that gonna open soon, Lucas?

Lucas

It might…

Alle

So what do you s'pose is down there?

Lucas

I'm not sure. But… I'm beginning to worry about it.

Alle

Why did you want to open it in the first place again?

Lucas

You know that thing I did… Back when you were a kid, and everyone lived… In that different world?

Alle

Ya-huh. Sort of. I mean, I was really little. And Sarah wasn't even born yet.

Lucas

I don't think that what I started is complete. I thought that by going down there, I might be able to…

Fuel comes running up.

Fuel

Lucas! Duster just arrived! In his beat up old stinky van!

Lucas

Thanks. Go tell my friend, would you?

Fuel

Yeah! Can't believe Duster's back! This is so cool!

Fuel runs off. Lucas walks up to the gate where Duster and crew are walking in, Delphia looking around curiously.

Delphia

(This village… So much like mine…)

Harriet

Lucas!

Matt

The tower's been activated…

Duster

How's it going, Lucas? Been awhile, hasn't it?

Lucas manages to smile.

Lucas

How'd it go?

Duster

… Well… Winston ended up being the one that activated the telescope thing…

Lucas

I see. I guess it doesn't matter who activates them, but still, I'm glad to see you're okay…

Either way, there's only one tower left. But…

Harriet

But what?

Lucas

You guys hungry? We could talk over lunch.

Duster

Sounds great. It was a long drive here.

Everyone is now sitting at an outdoor café table, not too far from the chamber entrance. Harriet watches Delphia chow down on a curry burrito.

Harriet

Delphy… Just how spicy is that thing?

Delphia (pouring hot sauce on it)

Never spicy enough. Wanna bite?

Harriet

Don't think so. I'd rather not have to ask you to cast a freezing spell into my mouth…

Matt

Lucas, is something wrong?

Lucas

Huh? Oh… I've just been thinking recently. I don't know how to tell you this, so…

Voice

Hey, guys. Duster.

Matt looks up.

Matt

H-hey! It's that one lady we thought was a witch…

Kumatora

Kumatora, Matthew. So what's this I hear about the towers?

She sits down next to Lucas.

Kumatora

And about Winston?

Duster

Winston is working with some strange aliens from space or something. Who knows what they're after.

Kumatora

Aliens?

Matt

Yeah. They have poor Winston under mind control or something.

Delphia

And they fly around in a giant spaceship and shoot robots at us.

Kumatora

Huh… You know, the night after you three came to my cabin, I heard a large explosion in the nearby

woods, and saw some strange lights in the sky.

Matt

Yeah. I kinda figured that those trees in the park near our house were blasted away from their flying

ship. But that's not the worst part of it…

Harriet

There's this weird ghost thing with star-shaped eyes, and it can create some sort of memories of people

and attack us with them.

Delphia

And one of them was… a younger version of you, Lucas.

Lucas's eyes get a little big. He then goes back to his previous look.

Lucas

I see… There's so much more danger concerning that chamber than I had first thought…

Harriet

Danger? Lucas, do you think opening that chamber is… dangerous?

Lucas

… Yes.

Everyone looks at him.

Lucas

In fact, I've changed my mind about it. I want it to stay sealed.

Duster

Huh? But Lucas…

Lucas

I know you won't be able to understand what I'm telling you. But that last tower—the one of sky—I don't

want it activated. And if Winston is going there, you need to find and stop him.

Harriet

But Lucas, I thought you wanted to…

Lucas

Please. I wish I could come with you. But I have… I have a bad feeling about the chamber. In case it

does open, I want to be here to protect my fellow villagers if anything should… come out of it.

Duster

I was planning on taking a break here and catching up with my dad… Of course, if you guys still need

me, I guess I could tag along a little longer…

Lucas

It's okay, Duster. I'd like Kumatora to go with them this time.

Harriet

What? Her?

Kumatora

Oh, come on, you sound like you think I'm crazy or something. Relax. I'm a PSI user. Maybe I can even teach you a thing or two.

Matt

Lucas, if you don't want us to activate the last tower, where do you want us to go?

Lucas

Kumatora just came back from Scarlet. I've heard rumors about the city. About its citizens going crazy

or something.

Matt

What, like the animals?

Lucas

That's what I'm fearing. This is a bit of a personal matter for me, too. Not all of Tazmily's original

residents live here now. Some of those who have moved live in Scarlet now. And Kuma, if you see any… could you ask them to come home?

Kumatora

Sure thing. Anyway, rest of the story is I just got back from there a few hours ago. And I think I saw your brother flying around the area on a jet pack contraption.

Harriet

So you're going to go with us to Scarlet, where Winston might be…

Kumatora

Yep.

Lucas stands up.

Lucas

Again… Forget about the tower. Only you two and Winston can activate them. Keep him away from it

at all costs.

Harriet

Okay… Lucas. If that's what you want.

Lucas turns and starts leaving.

Lucas

Oh. By the way… You're a Painter, aren't you?

Delphia

Me? Yeah… I am.

Lucas

You might be interested to know that your chief showed up a couple days ago.

Lucas leaves.

Harriet

Sheesh. Lucas sure has changed recently. What's his problem?

Delphia

(Why… is the chief here?)

Matt

I'm with Lucas. If he thinks there's something dangerous about that chamber, then maybe we really

should make sure it stays closed.

Delphia

Guys, I'm going to go see the Painter chief.

Delphia leaves and walks away.

Harriet

H-hey, Delphy! Wait!

Matt and Harriet follow her. Kumatora stay behind.

Kumatora

So… Do you think those two are as strong as Lucas?

Duster

Dunno yet. But they're good kids. I think you'll like them.

Kumatora

How's it been going, Duster?

Duster just has a nostalgic smile. Delphia and the others are about to turn a corner, when they stop and notice Lucas saying a few things to the Paint chief—who it turns out is Penny, now fifty-something years old.

Lucas

It's good to see you again, Penny.

Penny

I hope you're keeping well, Lucas.

Lucas

As well as can be…

Lucas turns and notices the group.

Lucas

Well, I have things to take care of… Bye for now.

Lucas leaves. The group comes up to Penny.

Penny

My, is that little Delphia? You sure have grown. A full Painter now, are you?

Delphia

Chief… what are you doing here?

Penny

I'm sorry I haven't returned yet and haven't kept in contact, but I know they can take care of themselves

when I'm gone. I felt a more urgent need had arisen out here in Tazmily, and before that, I was looking

into the strange occurrences with the animals.

Harriet

Delphy's awesome! She really helped us out.

Delphia

Yeah, except… I nearly got both of them killed several times.

Penny

Helping them? As in fighting? As in using the destructive techniques?

Delphia

Afraid so…

Harriet

Destructive techniques?

Penny

I was chosen to lead a small group of people with special talents known as the Painters. Years ago,

our objective was to help mold this world's landscape into a suitable place for people.

Harriet

Yeah, we've heard that, but how long ago was that?

Penny (smiles)

You wouldn't believe me if I told you. I once lead another group of people before that… But I failed them. So now I'm trying to redeem myself. I've been through so much in my life. I'm just glad that in the end, I was chosen to be a Painter, and was able to do something worthwhile.

Delphia

Matt, Harriet, I'd like to keep helping you, but… I feel that I should wait until I'm properly trained. These

"destructive" arts you're hearing about are rarely used by my people. And they're much harder to

master.

Matt

You're going to leave us, too?

Delphia

If the chief will allow me to undergo some training with her, yes. But just for a little while.

Penny

I'm glad you've made some friends, Delphia. I'll be glad to train you some while I'm here. But I currently

have a Painter boy under my wing, and I was about to leave with him to meet my son. We'll be heading

out early in the morning.

Delphia

Really? Thank you so much!

Harriet

You have a son?

Penny

Yes. You might've met him. His name is Taras.

Matt

That guy's your kid? He was pretty strong…

Penny

I got a carrier pigeon that says he has to talk with me right away. So we need to get to the meeting spot

by noon tomorrow. I'll give you some lessons on the way there, Delphia.

Harriet

So it's just us and Kumatora now…

Delphia

I promise I'll hang out with you two again, okay? I wouldn't want to see all of this through to the end

without cool Harriet and cute Matty by my side.

Harriet (smiles)

All right, Delphy. I'm holding you to that promise.

One last panel of them looking at one another. On the next panel, Kumatora is leading Matt and Harriet out of the village.

Harriet

Um, so Kumatora, how do we get to Scarlet?

Kumatora

Best way there is by using Scarlet monorail. Runs from Teallene to Azura City to Scarlet and back

again.

Harriet

Oh, that sounds fun!

Kumatora

Yeah… But I'm not so sure about Scarlet.The town was in pretty bad shape when I left… But given

who its citizens are, it isn't surprising…

Matt

What are you talking about?

Kumatora

Eh, forget it. Never mind.

Matt and Harriet look at one another. They come to Kumatora's convertible and hop in.

Harriet

So you, Duster and Lucas went on some sort of adventure or something, right?

Kumatora

Yeah. That was a long time ago. In a different place.

Matt (to Harriet)

Something's strange… Lucas and his friends—they act a little weird…

Harriet

I know. It's like their minds are somewhere else most of the time.

Back at Tazmily, Duster is in his father's room at the retirement center.

Wess

So… Duster… Have you been taking good care of the egg?

Duster

I think so, Dad.

Duster takes out the egg, but it's cracked.

Wess

What the? You call that good care?

Duster

That's strange. That crack wasn't there last time I looked.

Wess

You probably dropped it, you bone-brained nincompoop!

Duster

Yeah, sure I drop it. I've dropped it a hundred times. But it's never gotten damaged at all.

Wess

Huh? So why would it be cracking?

Duster (close up on the egg)

I don't know…

Now switch to Lucas and Flint eating dinner.

Flint

You okay, Lucas?

Lucas

I'm holding off on opening that chamber, Dad. I just… I'm scared. I don't know if I'm ready.

Flint

Isn't the first time you've had doubts. You just go when you feel you're ready, son. Kumatora and Duster

will support you when you make that journey, I know it.

Lucas

They're heading to Scarlet, Dad… I'm worried about them.

Flint

They're strong. They won't get beaten up, even there.

Lucas

That's not what I'm afraid of. We both know what Scarlet is full of. Even if few others do…

Flint

Right… Most of the people there used to be Pigmasks…

Lucas

And some of them don't care about keeping the secret the other Islanders have vowed to maintain.

The next row should be a page-wide panel with a close up on Lucas and large text to emphasis the importance of what he's saying.

Lucas

They could find out about the world before this one.

New page. Kumatora and the gang have arrived at the outskirts of Teallene, the farming town with vast fields and barns and such. But that's boring so we're not going to explore it much. Kuma's car is parked outside the station.

Kumatora (noticing a small general store)

So how are our supplies?

Matt

Well, we're about out of beans.

Harriet (tongue)

Thankfully.

Kumatora

Come on, we'd better get a few things before the train shows up.

Harriet

You any good at haggling, Kuma?

Kumatora

I get what I want and I pay how much I want.

Harriet

Wow, good attitude!

They go inside. Show Cazula and her mother browsing in the background. They're not noticed until the next page though. Kumatora turns and notices something. She turns to the kids.

Kumatora

Go get a few cans of food. I want to say hi to someone.

On the last panel, we see Kumatora talking to Bud and Lou, who have stopped in and have notepads.

Kumatora

Bud, Lou, what are you doing out here?

Bud

We're on tour.

Lou

Yes, and looking for inspiration in this store. Everyday items are so witty and pun-filled.

Next page somewhere around here.

Kumatora

Um, right. Anyway, Lucas wants all the Tazmilians to come home.

Bud

Our comedy tour has us tied down at the moment like a rope with weights.

Lou

Having said that, we will be passing by close to Tazmily in a few days, so we'll see if we can drop in.

Kumatora

Well, whatever. Just try to make it, okay?

Bud

For you, Kumatora, we shall loosen the rope.

Kumatora walks away, rolling her eyes.

Kumatora

(I really don't get those two…)

She looks over to see Harriet and Matty, their hands full of cans, being harassed by Cazula as her Mom stands behind her.

Cazula

My best friends! Are you adventurin' like me and my mommy? Where you headin'? Did you zap anyone

else yet? Ooo, did you learn any new magicky powers?

Harriet and Matty look over at Kumatora.

Harriet

Can we go now? Please?

Cazula

Ooo, who's that? Is she a witch? Can she do magic too?

Matt (closer up panel)

Nice to see you again, Cazula, but we really should be going.

Cazula

Okay, yeah! I understand! Hey, things are going great at the village! They don't call me Crazy Cazy

no more!

On the last panel, they're leaving the store with Cazula waving at them in the door.

Cazula

Bye again, ya'll! Don't get ate by the monsters!

Kumatora

Friend of yours?

Harriet

*grumble*

Next page. They're waiting at a rural station for the monorail to come in.

Harriet

Strange. Nothing attacked us the whole way coming here.

Kumatora

Yeah. No mad animals, no space robots, none of those creatures from another dimension you told me

about or that star-face thing…

Matt

Maybe they're regrouping. Or forming an army together to attack us with.

Harriet

Oh, yeah, they're forming an army. Come on, Matty…

Matt (shrugs)

What?

The monorail comes and they board it. A couple panels of the train just going by some scenery. Back inside, Harriet and Matt talk for a few panels.

Harriet

I just realized I forgot to ask Lucas more about what could be going on… But he just started talking

about things, and I guess I forgot.

Kumatora

You wanted to find out about the towers, and the mad animals and stuff like that?

Harriet

Yeah. I mean, we've been away from home for awhile now, but I still don't really know anything about

what's happening.

Kumatora

Well, truth is… we don't either.

Harriet

But didn't you go on an adventure once together? Did anything similar to what's going on now happen

back then?

Kumatora

There are some similarities, yes, but… We fought against a force that was probably more human.

Everything we encountered existed because of the bad things other humans did. This is something…

different.

The train pulls into the station and they get off. The platform is elevated. Matt comes over to the side and looks out at Scarlet, most of its tall buildings are along the curved coast. Piers extend out into the ocean, which is full of fishing trolleys.

Harriet

Wow, Scarlet is beautiful! Mom and Dad always promised to take us to the beach here in the summer,

but still haven't gotten around to it yet.

Matt

This is where the delicious octopus live. I should buy a box while we're here.

Kumatora (leaning on guardrail)

It looks nice, but the people here have become hostile to outsiders recently. We have to be careful.

Harriet

So what are we here for? Just to investigate?

Kumatora

I've got some old friends who run a restaurant in town that says he has some information he can pass

onto me. We'll go there first. Stay close.

A few panels of the gang walking through the city, towards the beach. As they go along, the citizens, mostly tough-looking guys, stare at them and crush cans in their hands and stuff.

Harriet

Kuma, they're freaking me out a little…

Kumatora

Just don't make eye contact. We're almost there.

As the beach comes into view, Matt eyes a glowing neon sign for "Yumacle's Octopi." He clearly drools and takes out a few smaller coins. He goes up to the guy selling them, who looks as angry as the two patrons nearby Matt.

Matt

Two kebabs, please.

Guy (glare)

…

Matt

Hey, come on, I'm trying to buy something. You know, give you money…

Guy

Who do youse think youse is? You think you can just come here with your fancy money?

Matt

Um, can I just have some octopus?

Guy

You think I'm just here to provide a service to youse? Likes I stands here all day cooking just to serve

The beach is so nice in the winter… And in the summer, I sunbathe here. It's too bad this town is full

of crazies right now, or we could—

Matt's Voice

Aaaaah! Kuma, Harriet! Help!

The two turn around to see Matt being followed by a gang of tough looking guys.

Kumatora

Man, he's going to be a pain, isn't he?

Kumatora extends her arm and aims with the other like it's a cannon.

Kumatora

Matty, get down!

He ducks a little bit. Kumatora fires out a stream of hypnosis bubbles. The guys look a little tired and yawn and stuff, but they keep coming.

Kumatora

Are you kidding? Ugh… they must be hopped up on something.

Kumatora launches out paralysis waves. The guys stiffen up but keep coming.

Kumatora

Is this a joke? What am I going to have to do, Starstorm this place? Cripes. Forget this. Let's just duck

inside. Come on, you two!

Matt joins them, and they go inside the beach front restaurant, Tiki themed. More angry people are inside, but Biff and Butch, Biff working as a bartender and Butch as the door greeter, look welcoming.

Butch

Kumatora! You made it! Hey, Biff, look! It's Kuma!

Biff (waving)

Hi, Kuma. Nice to see you. 'specially after all the tough customers we've been getting lately.

Kumatora

H-hey, guys…

Kumatora looks around the restaurant at all the angry guys while blocking the door.

Kumatora

(Just my luck…)

Matt sticks his monopod in the door handles to stop them from opening.

Kumatora

I think we better make this fast. Sorry we can't stay and chat. What information did you want to tell me?

Butch

Well, see, that guy flying around on the jet pack? He came by, got a drink, and left already.

Harriet (looking at Biff)

You served my ten year old brother alcohol?!

Biff

Uh, no. Just a soda.

Butch

Yeah, yeah, that kind of drink. Geesh. We don't serve those kind of drinks to minors.

Matt

Do you know where he went?

Biff

Yeah, well, he came in with a whole bunch of these shiny metal guys, left a lousy tip, and then they all flew off in the direction of Vega.

Butch

Probably to make more people go crazy or something.

Kumatora

Crap. We were too late…

Harriet

So we gotta go to Vega next? We have to hurry, then.

Kumatora

I guess so. Man, the people here are crazy.

Patron

What did you just say about us?

Patron

Outsiders calling us crazy?

Patron

Aw, heck nah! These kids deserve a beatin'!

Kumatora

What the?! B-but Butch here just called you guys crazy!

Patron

He's a standup guy. But you three are out of towners!

Patron

Yeah, you can't come to our beautiful city and call us that!

They all get out of their chairs and do fist things.

Kumatora

Oh, man! Now we're screwed!

Matt

H-hey… Look at their eyes…

Close up on glowing blue eyes.

Harriet

Yeah. They really are possessed or something.

Matt

Not only that—they have that tattoo Marvin had!

Close up on their arms.

Harriet

(What is that symbol?)

Butch (stepping out of the way)

Oh, well. Good luck, guys. Try not to leave a big mess if you get pounded.

Matt

I guess we'll just have to teach them a lesson!

Matt takes out the monopod, stares at it for a panel, and then realizes his mistake.

Matt

Um, oops…

The guys from outside burst in. The group gets shoved to the middle, surrounded by guys. The tough guys say typical threatening things. Then Shigo pops out from the bar with a drink in hand. He looks excited.

Shigo

Yeah, yeah! Fight, fight, fight! Woooo!

Harriet

(This is ridiculous… Are we really going to have to fight all of them?)

(Wait… That one song my mom taught me when I was little…)

Flashback of young Harriet and her mom. Harriet looks upset. On the next panel, her mother hums to her. On the last panel, Harriet looks calm and smiles.

Harriet's Mom

That song always seems to calm you down, doesn't it?

Harriet

(Oh, man, this is stupid. Like singing a song will settle down all these muscle heads…)

(Worse, I haven't sung in years!)

(Oh well. Might as well give it a shot)

Harriet suddenly starts singing. Matt and Kumatora look at her a little oddly.

Matt

Um, Harriet, what are you doing?

Harriet ignores them and sings louder with more determination. After a couple panels, it seems to have an effect. The song should hopefully only last a page. When it's over, all the guys are calm and smiling and are no longer possessed.

Kumatora

Wow! What a song, Harriet!

Matt

Yeah, but they might not stay like that for long…

Kumatora

But that song… Hm… Feels like I've heard it before… Who taught you it?

Harriet (modest)

My, um, my mother did… When I was very young.

Butch (crying)

It was so beautiful.

Shigo (taking a swig)

Meh, it was okay. A fight would've been cooler.

We see the back of Harriet's head on one panel. She turns around the next with a cold stare. She then stomps up to Shigo and grabs him by the collar, bringing him down to her level. He looks surprised.

Great. Now we have to save Mr. Poet. Let's try not to ruin Biff and Butch's Tiki Paradise, okay?

Harriet

Well, that'll make this a little harder…

Harriet casts Flash, blinding the big guy. He lets go of Sylvester, who takes out the sledge hammer and swings it down. Big guy blocks it with his arm. Harriet takes out her twirler and wraps it around the guy's legs, and then casts PK Shock to no effect. Matt jumps up on the guy's shoulders and beats him with the monopod, again to little effect. The big guy tries punching Sylvester, but he leaps backward and the punch goes into the floor, creating a hole in it.

Biff

Oh, man… That's not cool.

Sylvester

It was his fault, not mine!

The big guy flexes his muscles and splits his legs, freeing himself of the twirler and tossing Matty off.

Big Guy

Now I beat you all up!

He looks over at Kumatora and Harriet.

Big Guy

Tell you what. You let them kiss me and I won't beat you up so bad!

Kumatora (blushing and has a fist up)

Ugh, you pervert!

Big Guy moves forward to them. Harriet freaks out and trips backward. She uses her backpack as a shield, and Big Guy notices the button on it.

He bends down too much and trips, tumbling over Harriet and punching a hole in the floor with his head. He struggles to get out.

Big Guy

N-no! I must have that Clad in Rad button! Don't leave me!

Kumatora

Um… I think we should go now.

Matt

Uh-huh…

Sylvester

Sorry about the holes, Biff…

Biff

Eh, it's okay. I'll just make the big guy wash dishes for a month. That should cover it.

Sylvester

Right. And with that, we set off!

Kumatora

Oh, hey, Biff, Butch—get your parents and come over to New Tazmily for a bit, would you? Lucas is

trying to get all the original villagers back for a meeting or something.

Butch

Hm, well, okay Kuma.

Biff

Yeah, we'll do that. See ya.

They leave. Biff and Butch look at the big guy.

Biff

Hey, Leslie, get your head out of the floor and start washing dishes.

Big Guy

Ugh… what a rotten day…

Over a few panels, Sylvester is leading the gang out of the city at sunset and to the swamp southwest of it. Along the way, he recites some poetry that steadily makes the gang more and more uncomfortable. They eventually arrive at the swamp dock. Sylvester goes up the booth and puts a coin on the table.

Sylvester

One rental, my good man!

Man

Whatever. Take it an' leave.

Sylvester

Thank you!

Sylvester goes to the end of the dock and gets on the airboat driver's seat.

Sylvester

So, you ready to venture forth into Pit Slime Mire Swamp?

Kumatora

Sounds like fun. Why did you pay for the rental?

Sylvester

Why? Because my service fee for navigating this horrible place will be most exorbitant!

The group looks at one another with more "sigh" eyes. They then board the airboat and Sylvester guides it into the fog, reciting more poetry as he does so. On the last panel, the rental guy has one last thing to say.